Overview
On 26–27 May 2019, a series of riots broke out simultaneously at five different prisons in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. The unrest resulted in the deaths of 55 prisoners. According to available reporting, all of the fatalities were inmates, and all deaths resulted from strangulation or stabbing.
Response
Authorities stated that they had regained control of the affected prison facilities following the riots.
Status
No victims or suspects are named, and no arrests, charges, or prosecutions related to the violence are recorded. Responsibility is not attributed to any individual.
Key facts
- Victims
- On file
- Date
- 2019
- Location
- Amazonas, Brazil
- Case status
- unsolved
Case timeline
2019-05-26
Riots begin at five prisons in Amazonas, Brazil.
2019-05-27
Riots continue; total of 55 prisoners reported killed. Authorities state they regained control of the prisons.
Best coverage
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People
No public people records are attached yet.
Places
Common questions
- What happened to the victim?
- Riots at five prisons in Amazonas, Brazil on 26–27 May 2019 left 55 inmates dead from strangulation or stabbing; authorities said they later regained control of the facilities.
- Where did the crime happen?
- Amazonas, Brazil.
- What is the current status of the case?
- Status: unsolved.
Related cases
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Sources
- ENCYCLOPEDICAmazonas prison massacresWikipedia · 2026-07-10
- PRESSContemporaneous coverage — ReutersReuters · 2026-07-10
- PRESSContemporaneous coverage — ABC NewsABC News · 2026-07-10
Record history
- First published
- JUL 11, 2026